22 April 2013
An estimated five million Britons have run for
charity in the past year, raising an average of £280 each,
according to new research marking this year’s London Marathon - the
world's biggest fundraising event.
Nearly three quarters (73%) of Britain's growing band of fun
runners raised money for a cause in the last twelve months,
according to the poll for the Charities Aid Foundation, which
promotes charitable giving and provides financial services and
social finance to not-for-profit organisations.
The survey found that as many as one in seven (14%) people have
taken part in a fun run in their lifetime and nearly one in four
(23%) people would like to run to raise money one day.
Overall, although only 3% of the population have ever taken part
in a full marathon, more than one in 10 people (11%) have pounded
the streets in a fun run, 5km, 10km or half-marathon road race.
ComRes interviewed 2,022 British adults in the online survey
commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
Running for charity has become hugely popular in recent years,
with thousands of people taking part in events from major marathons
or half marathons to fundraisers such as the annual Race for
Life.
The survey found that:
- People in the North East are most likely to run for charity,
where 19% have run before - compared to the 14% average.
- Women are more likely to join fun runs than men, 16% having
taken part in a run compared to 13% of men.
- Men are more likely to raise substantial amounts of money when
they run; 19% of men who ran raised more than £500 in the last year
compared to just 5% of running women.
The survey also highlighted the growing trend for charity runs
over the years, evidenced by participation rates across the age
groups. Just 5% of over 65s have run for charity in their lifetime,
compared to 23% of 25-34 year olds.
John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said:
“It’s fantastic that so many people are getting involved in running
events up and down the country to raise money for their favourite
causes.
“At a time when one in six charities are on the brink of
closure, it’s never been more important for everyone to do what
they can to back Britain’s charities.
“Running can get you fit and give you a sense of wellbeing, but
few things are as rewarding as supporting a cause you really care
about."
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ONS data for the population of Britain in 2011 was
used to calculate the number running for charity in the past
year.
ComRes interviewed 2,022 GB adults online from
12th to the 15th April 2013. Data were weighted to be
demographically representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is
a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Full data tables can be found
on the ComRes website.